Countdown to Christmas: Shake Things Up with These Christmas Cocktails

As the days grow longer and the first signs of spring emerge, April is the perfect time to breathe new life into your home - starting with the kitchen. At Applewood Kitchens, we believe your kitchen should be more than just a place to cook; it should be a space that inspires, welcomes, and reflects your lifestyle.

Scott Husband is a kitchen design expert with over 30 years of experience, known for his passion for craftsmanship and creating spaces that bring families together. As the co-founder of Applewood Kitchens, Scott has spent the past 30+ years building a reputation for high-quality kitchen design, outstanding customer service, and a commitment to excellence. His journey in the industry began with a deep appreciation for great design, quality materials, and functional living spaces. Over time, his expertise in kitchen planning and project management led him to establish Applewood Kitchens—a company dedicated to providing discerning customers with stunning, superior-quality kitchen furniture and appliances, paired with a service to match. Beyond work, Scott is a keen fisherman ( though not necessarily the best! ) with a particular fondness for carp fishing. On his days off, he can often be found at the tranquil Virginia Water lakes, casting a line. He also has a great passion for sports, especially Boxing and Rugby, though he doesn't mind catching a game of football or enjoying a bit of darts now and then. Reading is another of Scott’s interests, particularly historical fiction. Authors like Bernard Cornwell, Simon Scarrow, and Conn Iggulden hold special places on his bookshelf. He and his wife, Sarah, are avid readers, and the pair enjoy the comfort of home—spending time with family, having great conversations, and enjoying a meal with friends, and of course, a glass of wine or two. Scott believes strongly in the importance of family and is proud of his own. He and Sarah are partners in life and in business, raising three daughters and a son, along with their partners, two grandchildren (and another on the way), and two beloved dogs. At their home, dinner can easily mean feeding anywhere from six to twelve people—a modern-day twist on 'The Waltons'! Working alongside Sarah every day, Scott believes in the power of teamwork. While some may think working with a spouse is challenging, Scott believes that depends entirely on the relationship. For him and Sarah, it’s a perfect fit—they’re best mates as well as business partners, with Sarah being the "engine" behind Applewood. She keeps everything running smoothly, and Scott is the first to acknowledge that while he gets the credit, it’s Sarah who makes it all happen. Under Scott’s leadership, Applewood Kitchens has earned numerous industry recognitions: ✅ Checked & Assessed – Endorsed by the UK’s largest independent consumer group, WHICH? Trusted Traders. ✅ Lifetime Guarantee – Cabinets, drawer boxes, and Blum products come with a lifetime guarantee for peace of mind. ✅ Insurance-Backed Guarantee – Every project is covered for parts, labour, and workmanship from the date of completion. ✅ The Guild of Master Craftsmen – Accredited by the UK’s most established trade association. ✅ Made in Britain – Proudly manufacturing kitchen cabinets in Britain, using superior materials and techniques for durability. ✅ 5-Star iQ Design Studio – Recognised as a Siemens 5-Star iQ Design Studio partner. Scott takes great pride in Applewood’s achievements, driven by a commitment to craftsmanship, quality, and exceptional customer service. He always says: “Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten.” Scott's ethos is simple, and it’s the cornerstone of Applewood Kitchens. Every kitchen is meticulously designed with precision, durability, and aesthetic appeal to bring families together and create lasting memories. For more about Scott’s work and his passion for exceptional kitchens, visit: 🌍 www.applewoodkitchens.co.uk/our-work 🔎 Our Vision & Mission

Looking for stunning kitchen showrooms near you? Visit Applewood Kitchens in Bracknell, Berkshire, to explore bespoke, British-made kitchens. Discover timeless designs, expert craftsmanship, and a lifetime guarantee. Book a design consultation today!

Choosing the perfect worktop for your kitchen can be a big decision. While many clients come with a clear idea of what they want, understanding the pros, cons, and practicalities of different materials is essential. Here’s what to consider: Practical Tips for Selecting Your Kitchen Worktop 1. Weight and Support Matter Granite and Quartz are popular choices, but they’re extremely heavy. It’s vital to ensure your base cabinets are constructed to properly support these materials. Many standard kitchen cupboards have hollow tops, particularly in corners, which can lead to movement and cracking over time. At Applewood Kitchens, we use solid tops on all our base units to ensure there’s no risk of movement. This structural stability is key to keeping your worktop joints intact and looking flawless. If you're considering cabinets with a rail bar design (not ours), we recommend adding a timber rail securely to the wall for extra support. However, be cautious of hidden electrical cables, water pipes, and gas lines when drilling. With Applewood cabinets, this additional step isn’t necessary. 2. Worktop Materials – The Essentials Quartz : The most popular choice, quartz is durable, easy to clean, and doesn’t require annual maintenance. Available in a wide range of colours and patterns, it’s a reliable, low-fuss option. Just remember to use a pan stand for hot items to avoid damage. Granite : A natural stone option for those who want “God-made” beauty. While stunning, granite is porous and requires regular polishing to avoid stains. Dekton : Highly resistant to heat, stains, and scratches, Dekton is an exceptional material but comes at a higher cost than quartz or granite. Corian : Known for its seamless appearance with no visible joints, Corian is elegant but comes with limitations—it cannot handle heat and can be costly to repair. 3. Heat Protection is Key No matter the material, always use a pan stand for hot items straight from the oven or hob. While Dekton is heat resistant, it’s still wise to take precautions, and materials like quartz, granite, and especially Corian can be damaged by heat. 4. Choosing the Right Material We often recommend quartz for its versatility, durability, and minimal maintenance. It remains the go-to choice for most kitchens. Granite and Dekton offer beautiful alternatives but require additional care or investment. Corian, while seamless, is rarely our top pick due to its limitations. In Summary When choosing a kitchen worktop, always consider the weight of the material, the construction of your cabinets, and the practicalities of maintenance and usage. At Applewood Kitchens, we ensure every worktop is properly supported, giving you a kitchen that’s both stunning and built to last.  Stay tuned for more worktop tips in the future!

Hearty Beef Stew with Mustard Dumplings Recipe

Nothing says Christmas like the comforting aroma of a slow-cooked brisket. This year, bring some festive flair to your table with a tender beef brisket simmered in a rich cranberry and red wine sauce. Prepare your ingredients ahead of time for a stress-free holiday! Your Ingredients Here’s what you’ll need to create this show-stopping dish: 2 tbsp vegetable oil ½ tsp salt ½ tsp black pepper 2kg rolled beef brisket 1 large red onion, peeled and sliced 3 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed 400ml red wine 600ml beef stock 100g cranberry sauce 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp smoked paprika ½ tsp cinnamon 4 tbsp soft brown sugar 1 tbsp water 50g fresh or frozen cranberries Small bunch fresh thyme 2 tbsp cornflour mixed with 5 tbsp cold water Plan Your Cooking Day Make time to slow cook your brisket. This recipe takes 3 hours in the oven for maximum tenderness. Pro tip: Prepare the dish in the morning and reheat just before serving for a stress-free evening. Preparation Heat oven to 160C. Heat the oil in a large casserole pan on a high heat. Season the brisket with half of the salt and pepper, place in the pan and then brown on all sides. Take the brisket out of the pan and place on a plate. Turn the heat down to medium, place the sliced onion in with the remaining salt and pepper, and gently cook for 5 minutes, stirring regularly until they've softened. Add the garlic to the onions and give a stir. Allow to cook for a minute, then add the wine, stock, cranberry sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to the boil and then place the brisket in the pan. Place a lid on the pan and place in the oven for 3 hours (check it occasionally. If it starts to look too dry, add in a splash of water). After three hours, take out of the oven and give everything a little stir. Mix together the paprika, cinnamon, sugar, and water in a small bowl. Spread it over the brisket. Turn up the oven to 190C and cook uncovered for 10 minutes until the brisket is dark and sticky looking. Take out of the oven and transfer to a serving dish. Decorate the brisket with cranberries and fresh thyme. Heat the cooking liquid over a high heat and stir in the cornflour slurry whilst stirring to thicken. If you like a smooth gravy, then strain it in a fine mesh sieve over a jug. Serve with the brisket. Highlight the Allergen Info Be mindful of allergens! Double-check the ingredients if you’re hosting guests with dietary needs. Add Some Festive Flair Pour in the festive flavours: Red wine, beef stock, and cranberry sauce add depth. A touch of smoked paprika, cinnamon, and brown sugar bring seasonal warmth.

The Ultimate Duck Fat Roast Potatoes

Elevate your vegetarian Christmas feast with a stunning Squash & Rice Nut Roast Wreath ! 🌟 This showstopper combines golden roasted butternut squash, hearty rice, mixed nuts, and creamy vegetarian cheddar for a dish that’s both comforting and festive. Topped with gooey brie, tart cranberry sauce, and a sprinkle of thyme and walnuts, it’s a Christmas table centrepiece everyone will love! 🎅🍽 ✨ Serves : 8-10 Ingredients You’ll Need 1 small butternut squash, peeled 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp unsalted butter 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped ¾ tsp salt ¾ tsp black pepper ¼ tsp celery salt 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced 2 sticks celery , finely diced 1 x 300g tin cannellini beans, drained 300 g cooked/boiled long grain white rice (approx. 100g uncooked weight) 120 g mixed nuts , chopped (e.g.hazelnuts, cashews and walnuts) 150 g vegetarian cheddar cheese , grated 75 g dried breadcrumbs 2 tbsp milk 1 tsp dried oregano ½ tsp dried thyme 2 eggs Ingredients For The Topping 200 g vegetarian brie , sliced 4 tbsp whole cranberry sauce, warmed Small bunch fresh thyme leaves, roughly chopped 2 tbsp walnuts , roughly chopped Preparation Preheat the oven to 200C. Chop two-thirds of the butternut squash into small cubes and grate the remaining third. Place the butternut squash cubes on a baking tray and drizzle with 1 tbsp of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss to coat, then roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until golden. Remove from the oven. Meanwhile, heat the remaining olive oil in a large frying pan along with the butter over a medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the salt, pepper, celery salt, garlic and celery. Cook for a further 3-4 minutes, stirring often until the celery has softened slightly. Turn off the heat. Add the cannellini beans, cooked rice, nuts, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, milk, oregano, thyme and the grated and cooked butternut squash. Stir to thoroughly combine, then stir through the two eggs until well mixed. Transfer the mixture to a well-greased, non-stick, 24cm savarin mould (you can use a regular round mould if you prefer, but a savarin mould gives a nice smooth-rounded edge to the nut roast). Push the mixture down lightly with a spoon, then cover in greased foil. Place in the oven at 190C for 45-55 minutes until a skewer inserted into the nut roast comes out piping hot. Remove from the oven and leave to cool slightly, then loosen the nut roast from the tin by running a knife around the edge. Place an ovenproof plate on top the of the tin and carefully invert the tin to release the nut roast onto the plate. Place slices of brie on top of the nut roast wreath and place back in the oven for 3-4 minutes, until the brie starts to melt. Remove from the oven and drizzle on the warmed cranberry sauce. Sprinkle on the fresh thyme and walnuts before serving. Why We Love This Recipe  Christmas is all about sharing great food with family and friends, and this nut roast is a creative twist on a traditional favourite. With roasted butternut squash, mixed nuts, and creamy vegetarian cheese, it’s a delightful balance of comfort and sophistication. Plus, the finishing touches of melted brie, cranberry sauce, and fresh thyme elevate it into something truly special. Creating Memories in a Kitchen You Love At Applewood Kitchens , we believe that the kitchen is the heart of every home, especially during the festive season. It’s where cherished memories are made, delicious recipes come to life, and laughter is shared over good food. Whether you’re preparing this nut roast or baking gingerbread cookies with loved ones, the right kitchen can make all the difference. From affordable luxury fitted kitchens to timeless designs that suit your space, we’re here to help you create a kitchen where magic happens.

Fancy Mulled Wine Recipe: The Ultimate Festive Drink 🍷✨